Microsoft Lync Basic 2013

Microsoft Lync Basic integrates instant messaging, VoIP and video conferencing capabilities into a single package. Dedicated to small organizations, it is a client application that works alogside Lync Server in order to provide a complete communication platform used for online meetings and video calls.

Its interface follows the modern-looking design of Windows 8 apps and its functionality resembles that of any IM client, since it allows you to set a status and associate a picture to your profile.

You can easily create a contact list and move the ones you frequently communicate with to the 'Favorites' section. Moreover, contacts can be organized in different groups, based on their status or the nature of the relationship.

The application allows instant messaging chat and provides support for VoIP conversations and video conferences. It enables you to initiate multiple conversations at the same time, which means that you can make a call and chat with more than one person within the same window. Moreover, it can remember all your conversations and restore them when signing back in.

Microsoft Lync Basic can run presentations and web conferences, supporting file sharing and featuring tools that encourage cooperation and teamwork, such as the whiteboard and annotation options. The customizable keyboard shortcuts offer fast access to the most important function, while Office integration enables you to join a new meeting directly from Outlook.

The Basic edition does not allow video recording, calendar delegation, OneNote sharing or advanced call-related options, such as forwarding or voice mail. Even so, the functionality of Microsoft Lync Basic enables you to stay in touch with your colleagues, communicate and share ideas in order to solve any issue in a timely fashion.